Electroluminescent assemblies using azomethine-metal complexes

ABSTRACT

Electroluminescent assembly comprising a substrate, an anode, an electroluminescent element and a cathode, where at least one of the two electrodes is transparent in the visible spectral region and the electroluminescent element contains one or more zones selected from the group consisting of hole injection zone, hole transport zone, electroluminescent zone, electron transport zone and electron injection zone in the order specified, where each of the zones present may also assume functions of the other zones mentioned, characterized in that the electroluminescent element contains an azomethine-metal complex.

An electroluminescent (EL) assembly is characterized in that it emitslight and an electric current flows when an electric potential isapplied. Such assemblies have long been known in industry under the name“light emitting diodes” (LEDs). The emission of light results fromrecombination of positive charges (holes) and negative charges(electrons) with emission of light.

In the development of light-emitting components for electronics orphotoelectronics, use is at present made mainly of inorganicsemiconductors such as gallium arsenide. Dot-shaped display elements canbe produced on the basis of such substances. Large-area assemblies arenot possible.

Apart from light emitting semiconductor diodes, electroluminescentassemblies based on vapour-deposited low molecular weight organiccompounds are known (U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,507, U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,262,U.S. Pat. No. 5,077,142, EP-A 0 406 762, EP-A 0 278 758, EP-A 0 278757).

Furthermore, polymers such as poly-(p-phenylenes) andpoly-(p-phenylene-vinylenes) (PPVs) have been described aselectroluminescent polymers: G. Leising et al., Adv. Mater. 4 (1992) No.1; Friend et al., J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun. 32 (1992); Saito et al.,Polymer, 1990, Vol. 31, 1137; Friend et al., Physical Review B, Vol. 42,No. 18, 11670 or WO 90/13148. Further examples of PPV inelectroluminescent displays are described in EP-A 0 443 861, WO-A92/03490 and 92/03491.

EP-A 0 294 061 discloses an optical modulator based on polyacetylene.

To produce flexible polymer LEDs, Heeger et al. have proposed soluble,conjugated PPV derivatives (WO-A 92/16023).

Polymer blends of different compositions are likewise known: M. Stolkaet al., Pure & Appt. Chem., Vol. 67, No. 1, pp 175-182, 1995; H. Bässleret al., Adv. Mater. 1995, 7, No. 6, 551; K. Nagai et al., Appl. Phys.Lett. 67 (16), 1995, 2281; EP-A 0 532 798.

The organic EL assemblies generally contain one or more layerscomprising organic charge transport compounds. The in-principlestructure in the order of the layers is as follows:

1 Support, substrate

2 Base electrode

3 Hole injection layer

4 Hole transport layer

5 Light-emitting layer

6 Electron transport layer

7 Electron injection layer

8 Top electrode

9 Contacts

10 Covering, encapsulation.

Layers 3 to 7 represent the electroluminescent element.

This structure represents the most general case and can be simplified byleaving out individual layers so that one layer assumes a plurality offunctions. In the simplest case, the EL assembly comprises twoelectrodes between which there is located one organic layer whichfulfils all functions, including the emission of light. Such systems aredescribed, for example, in the Application WO-A 90/13148 on the basis ofpoly(p-phenylene-vinylene).

Multilayer systems can be built up by means of vapour depositionprocesses in which layers are applied successively from the gas phase orby means of casting processes. Owing to the higher process speeds,casting processes are preferred. However, partial dissolution of a layerwhich has already been applied when the next layer is applied on top ofit can in certain cases be a difficulty.

It is an object of the present invention to provide electroluminescentassemblies having a high light flux, in which novel metal complexeshaving improved solubility in customary solvents are to be used asemitters and/or electron conductors. These novel metal complexes shouldalso be able to be applied from the gas phase by means of vapourdeposition processes.

It has been found that electroluminescent assemblies containing themetal complexes mentioned below meet these requirements. In thefollowing, the term “zone” is equivalent to the term “layer”.

The present invention accordingly provides electroluminescent assembliescomprising a substrate, an anode, an electroluminescent element and acathode, where at least one of the two electrodes is transparent in thevisible spectral region and the electroluminescent element contains oneor more zones selected from the group consisting of hole injection zone,hole transport zone, electroluminescent zone, electron transport zoneand electron injection zone in the order specified, where each of thezones present may also assume functions of the other zones mentioned,characterized in that the electroluminescent element contains anazomethine-metal complex.

The hole injection zone preferably contains an uncharged or cationicpolythiophene of the formula (I)

where

Q¹ and Q² represent, independently of one another, hydrogen, substitutedor unsubstituted (C₁-C₂₀)-alkyl, CH₂OH or (C₆-C₁₄)-aryl or

Q¹ and Q² together represent —(CH₂)_(m)—CH₂— where m=0 to 12, preferably1 to 5, (C₆-C₁₄)-arylene, and

n represents an integer from 2 to 10,000, preferably from 5 to 5000.

The hole conduction zone adjoining the hole injection zone preferablycontains one or more aromatic tertiary amino compounds, preferablysubstituted or unsubstituted triphenylamine compounds, particularlypreferably 1,3,5-tris(aminophenyl)benzene compounds of the formula (II).

The zone or zones located between the hole injection zone and thecathode can also assume a plurality of functions, i.e. one zone cancontain, for example, hole-injecting, hole-transporting,electroluminescent, electron-transporting and/or electron-injectingsubstances.

The electroluminescent element can additionally contain one or moretransparent polymeric binders.

The substituted or unsubstituted 1,3,5-tris(aminophenyl)benzene compoundpreferably represents an aromatic tertiary amino compound of the generalformula (II)

where

R² represents hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or halogen,

R³ and R⁴ represent, independently of one another, substituted orunsubstituted (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl, alkoxycarbonyl-substituted (C₁-C₁₀)-alkylor substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl or cycloalkyl,

R³ and R⁴ preferably represent, independently of one another,(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, in particular methyl, ethyl, n- or iso-propyl, n-, iso-,sec- or tert-butyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl-(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, for examplemethoxycarbonyl-, ethoxy-carbonyl-, propoxycarbonyl- orbutoxycarbonyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl or unsubstituted or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl- and/or(C₁-C₄)-alkoxy-substituted phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, naphthyl-(C₁-C₄)alkyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or naphthyl.

Particularly preferably, R³ and R⁴ represent, independently of oneanother, unsubstituted phenyl or naphthyl or else phenyl or naphthylsubstituted by from one to three methyl, ethyl, n-, iso-propyl, methoxy,ethoxy, n- and/or iso-propoxy radicals.

R² preferably represents hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, for example methyl,ethyl, n- or iso-propyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl, or chlorine.

Such compounds and their preparation are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,923,774 for use in electrophotography; this patent is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference into the present description. Thetris-nitrophenyl compound can, for example, be converted into thetris-aminophenyl compound by generally known catalytic hydrogenation,for example in the presence of Raney nickel (Houben-Weyl 4/1C, 14-102.Ullmann (4) 13, 135-148). The amino compound is reacted with substitutedhalogenobenzenes in a generally known manner.

The following compounds may be mentioned by way of example:

Apart from the tertiary amino compound, further hole conductors, e.g. inthe form of a mixture with the tertiary amino compound, may also be usedfor building up the electroluminescent element. The further holeconductor or conductors can be, on the one hand, one or more compoundsof the formula (II), including mixtures of isomers, or, on the otherhand, mixtures of hole transport compounds with compounds of tertiaryamino compounds having the general formula (II) and having variousstructures.

A listing of possible hole injection and hole conductor materials isgiven in EP-A 0 532 798.

In the case of mixtures of the aromatic amines, the compounds can beused in any ratio.

Examples which may be mentioned are:

Materials which have hole-conducting properties and can be used in pureform or as mixing partners for the tertiary amino compounds are, forexample, the following compounds, where X¹ to X⁶ represent,independently of one another H, halogen, alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy.

These and further examples are described in J. Phys. Chem. 1993, 97,6240-6248 and Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 66, No. 20, 2679-2681.

In general, various amines having different basic structures and/ordifferent substitution patterns can be mixed.

X¹ to X⁶ preferably represent, independently of one another, hydrogen,fluorine, chlorine, bromine, (C₁-C₁₀)-, in particular (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or-alkoxy, phenyl, naphthyl, phenoxy and/or naphthyloxy. The aromaticrings may be substituted by one, two, three or four, identical ordifferent radicals X¹ to X⁶.

The polythiophenes having the structural repeating unit of the formula(I) are known (cf. EP-A 0 440 958 and 0 339 340). The preparation of thedispersions or solutions used according to the invention is described inEP-A 0 440 957 and DE-A 42 11 459.

The polythiophenes in the dispersion or solution are preferably used incationic form as are obtained, for example, by treatment of the neutralthiophenes with oxidizing agents. Customary oxidizing agents such aspotassium peroxodisulphate are used for the oxidation. The oxidationgives the polythiophenes positive charges which are not in the formulaesince their number and position cannot be determined unambiguously. Theycan be prepared directly on supports using the methods described in EP-A0 339 340.

Q¹ and Q² in formula (I) are preferably —(CH₂)_(m)—CH₂— where m=1 to 4,very particularly preferably ethylene.

Preferred cationic or neutral polydioxythiophenes comprise structuralunits of the formula (Ia) or (Ib)

where

Q³ and Q⁴ represent, independently of one another, hydrogen, substitutedor unsubstituted (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, preferably (C₁-C₁₀)-, in particular(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, (C₂-C₁₂)-alkenyl, preferably (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl,(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl,(C₇-C₁₅)-aralkyl, preferably phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl,preferably phenyl or naphthyl, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkoxy, preferably(C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy, preferably methoxy, ethoxy, n- or iso-propoxy, or(C₂-C₁₈)-alkyloxy ester and

Q⁵ and Q⁶ represent, independently of one another, hydrogen or(C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, preferably (C₁-C₁₀)-, in particular (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,(C₂-C₁₂)-alkenyl, preferably (C₂-C₈)-alkenyl, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,preferably cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl, (C₇-C₁₅)-aralkyl, preferablyphenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, preferably phenyl or naphthyl,(C₁-C₁₈)-alkoxy, preferably (C₁-C₁₀)-alkoxy, for example methoxy,ethoxy, n- or iso-propoxy, or (C₂-C₁₈)-alkyloxy ester which are eachsubstituted by at least one sulphonate group, where if Q⁵ representshydrogen, Q⁶ is not hydrogen and vice versa, and

n represents an integer from 2 to 10,000, preferably from 5 to 5000.

Particular preference is given to cationic or uncharged polythiophenesof the formulae (Ia-1) and (Ib-1)

where

Q⁵ and n are as defined above.

To balance the positive charge, the cationic form of the polythiophenescontains anions, preferably polyanions.

Polyanions present are preferably the anions of polymeric carboxylicacids such as polyacrylic acids, polymethacrylic acid or polymaleicacids and polymeric sulphonic acids such as polystyrenesulphonic acidsand polyvinylsulphonic acids. These polycarboxylic and polysulphonicacids can also be copolymers of vinylcarboxylic and vinylsulphonic acidswith other polymerizable monomers such as acrylates and styrene.

The anion of polystyrenesulphonic acid is particularly preferred ascounterion.

The molecular weight of the polyacids forming the polyanions ispreferably from 1000 to 2,000,000, particularly preferably from 2000 to500,000. The polyacids or their alkali metal salts are commerciallyavailable, e.g. polystyrenesulphonic acids and polyacrylic acids, orelse can be prepared by known methods (see, for example, Houben-Weyl,Methoden der organischen Chemie, Volume E 20 Makromolekulare Stoffe,Part 2 (1987), p. 1141 ff.).

In place of the free polyacids required for the formation of thedispersions of polydioxythiophenes and polyanions, it is also possibleto use mixtures of alkali metal salts of the polyacids and correspondingamounts of monoacids.

In the case of the formulae (Ib) and (Ib-1), the polydioxythiophenesbear positive and negative charges in the monomer unit itself.

The assemblies of the invention may, if desired, contain polymers and/orcopolymers as binder, for example polycarbonates, polyester carbonates,copolymers of styrene such as SAN or styrene-acrylates, polysulphones,polymers based on vinylcontaining monomers such as poly(meth)acrylates,polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylcarbazol, vinyl acetate and vinyl alcoholpolymers and copolymers, polyolefins, cyclic olefin copolymers, phenoxyresins, etc. It is also possible to use mixtures of various polymers.The polymeric binders have molecular weights of from 10,000 to 2,000,000g/mol, are soluble and film-forming and are transparent in the visiblespectral region. They are described, for example, in Encyclopedia ofPolymer Science and Engineering, 2nd ed., A. Wiley-Intersciencepublication. They are usually used in an amount of up to 95% by weight,preferably up to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of theelectroluminescent elements.

The azomethine-metal complex is preferably a compound of the generalformulae (IIIa) to (IIIc)

where

Me represents a metal and

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, and R₁₀ represent, independently ofone another, hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or arylradical,

X represents a halogen atom and

V, Y, Z represent atoms which complete a ring system which in each casecomprises at least one ring.

In general, it is possible to use trivalent metals which are known toform chelates (e.g. Al, Ga, In).

Z completes an aromatic moiety which comprises at least one ring and towhich further, additional aliphatic or aromatic rings may be bound.

The azomethine-metal complex preferably represents a compound of thegeneral formula (IIId), (IIIe) or (IIIf):

where

X represents F, Cl or Br,

R₁₁-R₄₄ represents, independently of one another, hydrogen, substitutedor unsubstituted C₁-C₁₆-alkyl or aryl,

n is from 1 to 10.

Examples of the compounds (III) are the following:

It is possible to use one or more compounds of the formulae B1 to B7.

Azomethine-metal complexes which display fluorescence are known fromanalytical chemistry (K. Morishige, Analytica Chimica Acta 72, 295(1974)). Hitherto, azomethine-metal complexes have been used as emittersand/or electron conductors in organic light emitting diodes only in theform of zinc complexes (Y. Hamada, T. Sano, M. Fujita, T. Fujii, Y.Nishio, K. Shibata, Jpn. J.Appl. Phys. 32, L511 (1993)).

The complexes can be synthesized by a modified variant as described, forexample, in L. Sacconi, P. Paoletti, M. Ciampolini, J. Am. Chem. Soc.,85, 411 (1963).

To produce the electroluminescent element, the azomethine-metal complexand, if desired, the tertiary amino compound and the binder aredissolved in a suitable solvent and applied to a suitable substrate bycasting, doctor blade coating or spin coating. However, if desired, themetal complex can also be applied separately as a layer by a vapourdeposition process. The substrate can be, for example, glass or apolymer material which is provided with a transparent electrode. Aspolymer material, it is possible to use, for example, a film ofpolycarbonate, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate orpolyethylene naphthalate, polysulphone or polyimide.

Suitable transparent electrodes are

a) metal oxides, e.g. indium-tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (NESA), zincoxide, doped tin oxide, doped zinc oxide, etc.,

b) semi-transparent metal films, e.g. Au, Pt, Ag, Cu etc.,

c) conductive polymer films such as polyanilines, polythiophenes, etc.

The metal oxide electrodes and the semitransparent metal film electrodesare applied in a thin layer by techniques such as vapour deposition,sputtering, platination, etc. The conductive polymer films are appliedfrom the solution by techniques such as spin coating, casting, doctorblade coating, etc.

The thickness of the transparent electrode is from 3 nm to several μm,preferably from 10 nm to 500 nm.

The electroluminescent layer is applied as a thin film directly to thetransparent electrode or to a charge transport layer which may bepresent. The thickness of the film is from 10 to 500 nm, preferably from20 to 400 nm, particularly preferably from 50 to 250 nm.

A further charge transport layer may be inserted on theelectroluminescent layer before application of a counterelectrode.

A listing of suitable intermediate charge transport layers, which may behole conductor or electron conductor materials and may be present inpolymeric or low molecular weight form, if desired as a blend, is givenin EP-A 0 532 798. Particularly suitable charge transport materials arespecifically substituted polythiophenes which have hole transportproperties. They are described, for example, in EP-A 0 686 662.

The content of a low molecular weight hole conductor in a polymericbinder can be varied within the range from 2 to 97% by weight; thecontent is preferably from 5 to 95% by weight, particularly preferablyfrom 10 to 90% by weight, in particular from 10 to 85% by weight. Thehole injection or hole conduction zones can be deposited by variousmethods.

Film-forming hole conductors can also be used in pure form (100% holeconductor). If desired, the hole injection or hole conduction zone canalso contain amounts of an electroluminescent substance.

Blends consisting entirely of low molecular weight compounds can bevapour-deposited; soluble and film-forming blends, which may contain abinder in addition to low molecular weight compounds, can be depositedfrom solution, e.g. by means of spin coating, casting or doctor bladecoating.

It is also possible to apply emitting and/or electron-conductingsubstances in a separate layer on the hole conduction layer. Here, anemitting substance can also be added as dopant to the layer containingthe compound (III) and, in addition, an electron-conducting substancecan be applied. An electroluminescent substance can also be added to theelectron injection or electron conduction layer.

The content of low molecular weight electron conductors in the polymericbinder can be varied within the range from 2 to 95% by weight; thecontent is preferably from 5 to 90% by weight, particularly preferablyfrom 10 to 85% by weight. Film-forming electron conductors can also beused in pure form (100% electron conductor).

The counterelectrode comprises a conductive substance which may betransparent. Preference is given to metals, e.g. Al, Au, Ag, Mg, In,etc., or alloys and oxides of these, which can be applied by techniquessuch as vapour deposition, sputtering or platination.

The assembly of the invention is connected to a power source by means oftwo electric leads (e.g. metal wires) connected to the two electrodes.

On application of a DC potential in the range from 0.1 to 100 volt, theassemblies emit light having a wavelength of from 200 to 2000 nm. Theydisplay photo-luminescence in the range from 200 to 2000 nm.

The assemblies of the invention are suitable for producing lightingunits and units for the display of information.

EXAMPLES Example 1

1.0 g (1.829 mmol) of(R,R)-(−)-N,N′-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclo-hexanediamine(commercially available; Aldrich) and 0.205 g (3.657 mmol) of potassiumhydroxide together with 100 ml of ethanol are placed in a reactionvessel. A solution of 0.441 g (1.829 mmol) of aluminium(III) chloridehydrate in 10 ml of methanol is added dropwise to the above solution andthe mixture is refluxed for 6 hours under protected gas. The reactionmixture is evaporated and the solid obtained is dissolved in methanoland precipitated by addition of water. After drying, a lemon yellowsolid is obtained (0.75 g{circumflex over (=)}67.5% of theory).

Example 2

1.0 g (1.829 mmol) of(R,R)-(−)-N,N′-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)-1,2-cyclo-hexanediamine(commercially available; Aldrich) and 0.205 g (3.657 mmol) of potassiumhydroxide together with 100 ml of ethanol are placed in a reactionvessel. 3.54 g of a 9% strength solution of gallium(III) chloride inmethanol are added dropwise to the above solution and the mixture isrefluxed for 6 hours under protective gas. The reaction mixture isevaporated and the solid obtained is dissolved in methanol andprecipitated by addition of water. After drying, a yellow solid isobtained (0.44 g{circumflex over (=)}37% of theory).

Examples, Physical Part:

Application Example 1

The substance B4 according to the invention is used for making anorganic light emitting diode (OLED). The following procedure was usedfor producing the OLED:

1. Cleaning the ITO substrate

ITO-coated glass (Merck Balzers AG, FL, Part. No. 253 674 XO) is cutinto 50 mm×50 mm pieces (substrates). The substrates are subsequentlycleaned in a 3% strength aqueous Mukasol solution in an ultrasonic bathfor 15 min. The substrates are then rinsed with distilled water and spundry in a centrifuge. This rinsing and drying procedure is repeated 10times.

2. Application of the ®Baytron P layer to the ITO

About 10 ml of the 1.3% strengthpolyethylenedioxythiophene/-polystyrenesulphonic acid solution (BayerAG, Baytron P) are filtered (Millipore HV, 0.45 μm). The substrate issubsequently placed on a spin coater and the filtered solution is spreadover the ITO-coated side of the substrate. The excess solution on thesubstrate is subsequently spun off by rotation of the plate at 500 rpmfor 3 minutes. The substrate which has been coated in this way is thendried at 110° C. for 5 minutes on a hotplate. The thickness of the layeris 60 nm (Tencor, Alphastep 200).

3. Application of the hole conduction layer

5 ml of a 1.5% strength dichloroethane solution of 1 part by weight ofpolyvinylcarbazole (BASF, Luvican), 1 part by weight of phenylamine(Agfa-Gevaert, Compound A1) and 1 part by weight of phenylamine(Agfa-Gevaert, A2) are filtered (Millipore HV, 0.45 μm) and spread onthe dried Baytron P layer. The excess solution on the substrate issubsequently spun off by rotation of the plate at 800 rpm for 30seconds. The substrate which has been coated in this way is then driedat 110° C. for 5 minutes on a hotplate. The total thickness of thelayers is 150 nm.

4. Application of the light-emitting/electron-injecting layer by vapourdeposition

A third organic layer, namely the substance B3 according to theinvention, is applied to the above two organic layers by thermal vapourdeposition. This is carried out in a vapour deposition unit (Leybold,Univex 350). The pressure in the vapour deposition unit during thedeposition procedure is 10⁻³ Pa and the deposition rate is 2 Å/sec. Thetotal thickness of the 3 organic layers is 200 nm.

5. Application of the metal cathode by vapour deposition

A metal electrode is applied to the organic layer system by vapourdeposition. For this purpose, the substrate is placed with the organiclayer system facing downwards on a perforated mask (hole diameter: 5mm). At a pressure of 10⁻³ Pa, the elements Mg and Ag are vaporized inparallel from two vaporization boats. The deposition rate for Mg is 28Å/sec. The thickness of the vapour-deposited metal contacts is 500 nm.

The two electrodes of the organic LED are connected to a voltage sourceby means of electric leads. The positive pole is connected to the ITOelectrode and the negative pole is connected to the MgAg electrode.

From a voltage of only 4 volt, electroluminescence can be detected bymeans of a photodiode (EG&G C30809E). At a voltage of 10 volt, thecurrent per unit area is 1 mA/cm² and the electroluminescence is readilyvisible. The colour of the electroluminescence is greenish blue.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electroluminescent assembly comprising asubstrate, an anode, an electroluminescent element, and a cathode,wherein (1) at least one of the anode and/or cathode is transparent inthe visible spectral region, and (2) the electroluminescent elementcontains an azomethine-metal complex and consists of one or more zonesselected from the group consisting of a hole injection zone, a holetransport zone, an electroluminescent zone, an electron transport zone,and an electron injection zone arranged in the order listed, with theproviso that each said zone can optionally assume functions of othersuch zones such that the electroluminescent element as a whole exhibitshole-injecting, hole-transporting, electroluminescent,electron-transporting, and electron-injecting functions, wherein thehole injection zone must be present and contains (i) an uncharged orcationic polythiophene having the formula (I)

 wherein Q¹ and Q² independently represent hydrogen or substituted orunsubstituted (C₁-C₂₀)-alkyl, CH₂OH, or (C₆-C₁₄)-aryl or Q¹ and Q²together represent —(CH₂)_(m)—CH₂—, wherein m is 0 to 12, or(C₆-C₄)-arylene, and n represents an integer from 2 to 10,000, or (ii)one or more uncharged or cationic polythiophenes of the formulas (Ia)and/or (Ib)

 and/or

 wherein Q³ and Q⁴ independently represent hydrogen or a substituted orunsubstituted (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, (C₂-C₁₂)-alkenyl, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl,(C₇-C₁₅)-aralkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyloxy, or (C₂-C₁₈)-alkyloxyester group, Q⁵ and Q⁶ independently represent hydrogen or a(C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, (C₂-C₁₂)-alkenyl, (C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₇-C₁₅)-aralkyl,(C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkoxy, or (C₂-C₁₈)-alkyloxy ester groupsubstituted by at least one sulphonate group, with the proviso that Q⁵and Q⁶ cannot both be hydrogen, and n represents an integer from 2 to10,000.
 2. An electroluminescent assembly according to claim 1 whereinthe hole injection zone contains one or more uncharged or cationicpolythiophenes of the formulas (Ia-1) and/or (Ib-1)

and/or

wherein Q⁵ represents a (C₁-C₁₈)-alkyl, (C₂-C₁₂)-alkenyl,(C₃-C₇)-cycloalkyl, (C₇-C₁₅)-aralkyl, (C₆-C₁₀)-aryl, (C₁-C₁₈)-alkoxy, or(C₂-C₁₈)-alkyloxy ester group substituted by at least one sulphonategroup, and n represents an integer from 2 to 10,000.
 3. Anelectroluminescent assembly according to claim 1 additionally comprisingpolyanions selected from the group consisting of polymeric carboxylicacids, polymeric sulphonic acids, and mixtures thereof in the holeinjection zone when the polythiophene of formula (I), (Ia), or (Ib) iscationic.
 4. An electroluminescent assembly according to claim 1additionally comprising counterions selected from the group consistingof polystyrene sulphonic acids, alkaline earth metal salts thereof, andmixtures thereof in the hole injection zone when the polythiophene offormula (I), (Ia), or (Ib) is cationic.
 5. An electroluminescentassembly according to claim 1 wherein the hole injection zone and/or thehole transport zone contains an aromatic tertiary amino compound havingthe formula (II)

wherein R² represents hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, orhalogen, and R³ and R⁴ independently represent substituted orunsubstituted (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl, alkoxycarbonyl-substituted (C₁-C₁₀)-alkyl,or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, aralkyl, or cycloalkyl.
 6. Anelectroluminescent assembly according to claim 1 wherein the holeinjection zone and/or the hole transport zone contains an aromatictertiary amino compound having the formula (II)

wherein R² represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, and R³ and R⁴independently represent (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,(C₁-C₄)-alkoxycarbonyl-(C₁-C₆)-alkyl, unsubstituted phenyl, naphthyl,phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, naphthyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, cyclopentyl, orcyclohexyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl-substituted phenyl, naphthyl,phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, naphthyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, cyclopentyl, orcyclohexyl, or (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy-substituted phenyl, naphthyl,phenyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, naphthyl-(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, cyclopentyl, orcyclohexyl.
 7. An electroluminescent assembly according to claim 1wherein the hole injection zone and/or the hole transport zone containsone or more aromatic tertiary amino compounds selected from the groupconsisting of compounds having the formulas


8. An electroluminescent assembly according to claim 1 wherein theazomethine-metal complex is one or more compounds having the formulas(IIIa), (IIIb), and/or (IIIc)

and/or

wherein Me represents a metal, R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇, R₈, R₉, andR₁₀ independently represent hydrogen, substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, X represents a halogenatom, V, Y, and Z each represents atoms that complete a ring systemhaving at least one ring.
 9. An electroluminescent assembly according toclaim 8 wherein Me is a monovalent, divalent, or trivalent metal thatforms chelates.
 10. An electroluminescent assembly according to claim 1wherein the azomethine-metal complex is one or more compounds having theformulas (IIId), (IIIe), and/or (IIIf)

and/or

wherein X represents F, Cl, or Br, R₁₁ through R₄₄ independentlyrepresent hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, or substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and n is from 1 to
 10. 11. An electroluminescentassembly according to claim 1 additionally containing one or moretransparent binders selected from the group consisting ofpolycarbonates, polyester carbonates, copolymers of styrene,polysulphones, polymers based on vinyl-containing monomers, polyolefins,cyclic olefin copolymers, and phenoxy resins.
 12. An electroluminescentassembly according to claim 1 wherein the azomethine-metal complex isselected from the group consisting of compounds having the formulas